Potassium hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide (KOH), or caustic potash, is a strongly caustic inorganic base composed of potassium, oxygen, and hydrogen. It dissolves readily in water, releasing heat and producing an alkaline solution.

Strong base: A base that ionizes or dissociates nearly completely in water. KOH dissociates into potassium and hydroxide ions, making its aqueous solutions strongly alkaline.
Liquid soap: A soap formulation in liquid form, commonly made from potassium salts of fatty acids. Potassium hydroxide is used to saponify oils into the softer soaps characteristic of liquid formulations.
Potassium: A soft, highly reactive alkali metal with atomic number 19 and symbol K. Potassium supplies the K⁺ ions in potassium hydroxide.
Sodium hydroxide: A strongly caustic inorganic base with formula NaOH, commonly called caustic soda. It is KOH's closest widely used alkali counterpart, with sodium replacing potassium.
Caustic substance: A substance that chemically burns or corrodes living tissue and materials on contact. KOH is strongly caustic and can cause severe skin and eye injury.
Hydroxide ion: The negatively charged ion OH⁻, which acts as a base in water. Hydroxide ions from dissolved KOH accept protons and drive its characteristic reactions.
Alkaline battery: An electrochemical cell that uses an alkaline electrolyte, often potassium hydroxide. Aqueous KOH conducts ions between electrodes in many alkaline battery designs.
Oxygen: A reactive chemical element with atomic number 8 and symbol O. Oxygen is part of the hydroxide group in KOH.
Calcium hydroxide: An inorganic base with formula Ca(OH)₂, commonly called slaked lime. It is a less soluble hydroxide base often chosen where KOH's high solubility is unnecessary.
Chemical burn: Tissue damage caused by contact with a corrosive chemical. Contact with solid or concentrated KOH can rapidly damage skin and eyes.

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